Multifunctional polyacrylonitrile based nanofibrous membranes with pH-regulable surface charge for efficient separation of oil-in-water emulsions and controllable removal of dyes

Construction of Waste Paper-Chitosan-Based Membranes with pH-Tunable Surface Charge for Efficient Separation of Oil-in-Water Emulsion and Dye

“…As global industries expand rapidly, the severity of water pollution is escalating. , Among various pollutants, water-insoluble oils and water-soluble organic dyes are viewed as the primary contaminants in wastewater, posing significant threats to both the environment and human health. − So far, numerous technologies, including adsorption, − photocatalysis, − chemical oxidation, , biological methods, ion exchange, and membrane separation − have been undertaken to address oil–water separation and dye removal from wastewater. Noteworthily, owing to the increasing complexity of wastewater, traditional single-treatment technology has become inadequate for meeting current demands. − Fortunately, membrane adsorption–separation technology has recently emerged as an effective method for treating complex wastewater containing oil and dyes. − This method combines the benefits of adsorption and membrane separation, providing advantages like simple operation, low energy usage, and high efficiency. ,, Based on this, numerous membranes have been developed with special wettability, particularly superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic features, along with abundant adsorption sites for simultaneously removing dyes and separating oil–water mixtures. ,− However, the majority of these adsorption–separation membranes are made from nonrenewable resources and are nonbiodegradable, potentially causing secondary environmental pollution after their service life . Moreover, such membranes usually require a complicated and time-consuming fabrication process. ,, Therefore, it is crucial to develop a simple yet efficient strategy for creating advanced adsorption–separation membranes that are sustainable to effectively treat complex wastewater containing various pollutants.…”